The Independent Brewers Association (IBA) welcomed a new Chair during its Annual General Meeting this week, with Wayward Brewing founder Peter Philip’s tenure coming to an end after two years and Young Henrys co-founder Richard Adamson (pictured) taking his place.

Ballistic Beer’s David Kitchen stepped down as Treasurer while Nomad Brewing’s Johnny Latta resigned as a Director earlier in the year to focus on his new Mudgee brewery Three Tails. As a result, three new Board Directors were voted in by members, from 12 nominations. They were: KAIJU! Beer co-founder Callum Reeves, BentSpoke Brewing co-founder Richard Watkins and Ballistic Beer chief operations officer Lauren Jack.

Outgoing Chair Peter Philip noted the changes in excise remission, winning funding for the industry 10-year blueprint and membership growth as highlights of his tenure.

“It’s testament to people seeing there is real power in being part of an association and we can achieve great things together,” he said. “It’s been really satisfying, and the people I’ve met, and I’ve gotten to know have become lifelong friends.”

New Chair Richard Adamson thanked the outgoing Directors for their hard work, guiding the IBA through the difficult circumstances of the last 18 months, and said he is looking forward to working with the team to deliver on the 10-year blueprint currently being developed.

The Directors join existing Board members Derek Hales (Bad Shepherd Brewing), Clare Clouting (Gage Roads Brewing), and Corinna Steeb (Prancing Pony).

It’s an exciting new phase for the IBA, as the industry exits COVID and builds on a decade of hard work. The organisation couldn’t be better positioned, with the right people in place, to continue to help indie beer mature while guiding its growth throughout Australia.

This is an edited version of a media release distributed by the IBA.

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